AJ Has Fury Contract, But a Summer Warm-Up Bout May Precede It

Anthony Joshua is in possession of the contract for his highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, but there's a possibility he may engage in a warm-up fight as early as July before facing his British counterpart in November. Fury has already committed to the fight, issuing a fresh challenge after his recent victory. Joshua's commitment to the fight has been uncertain due to a recent car accident and speculation about a potential warm-up bout. Promoter Eddie Hearn states that they've received the contract and are reviewing it, prioritizing Joshua's readiness to return to the ring after a tumultuous period. The original plan for a March fight, followed by a bout against Fury in August, has been delayed, with July and November now being considered as potential dates. There's speculation that Joshua's July bout could be against Deontay Wilder, with Hearn indicating they're open to exploring this option, potentially leading to back-to-back fights against Wilder and Fury.